Leonard D. Knight died at his home in Riverton, Wyo., on Monday, Nov. 17, 2008, at the age of 85. Cremation has taken place and internment will be next to his wife, in Hailey, Idaho, in the spring of 2009.
Leonard Douglas Knight was born in Hailey on Dec. 26, 1922, the son of Andrew Leonard Knight and Doris Sophia (Brasse) Knight.
He graduated from high school in Hailey, then joined the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. From March 10, 1943, to Feb. 13, 1946, he saw action as a gunner's mate aboard the U.S.S. Murphy. The ship carried Franklin D. Roosevelt to Saudi Arabia to meet and negotiate with the king there.
He married Sylvia (Hanney) Tomlinson in Hailey on May 17, 1963. She preceded him in death on June 10, 2001.
He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church of Riverton.
Mr. Knight worked as an underground miner for most of his life. He had grown up on a ranch near Hailey and worked for Bunker Hill in Northern Idaho, Centennial Development of Utah, and for Clayton Silver, working in Nevada, Grants, N.M., and Bingham, Utah. He retired in 1988.
In addition to a passion for work, Mr. Knight's family said he enjoyed hunting and kept a beautiful yard with trees in Challis, Idaho.
Survivors include his son, Larry Knight of Riverton; daughter, Kathy Johnson of Riverton; nine grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert Knight and his wife, Ludine, of Twin Falls, Idaho, Harold Knight and his wife, Lynda, of Gooding, Idaho, and Dean Knight of Riverton; and a sister, Marjorie Bryant, of Olympia, Wash.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia; his parents; three brothers, Albert, John, and Don, and a sister, Joyce.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice in care of the Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main, Riverton, WY 82501.
On-line obituaries are available and condolences for the family may be made at: thedavisfuneralhome.com
Local arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.
